If you’re exploring full-mouth dental implant options in Spring Valley, you’ve likely heard about All-on-4. But there’s another highly effective solution that’s gaining popularity among patients who want maximum stability and longevity: All-on-6® dental implants.
All-on-6 works on a similar principle to All-on-4 but uses six strategically placed implants instead of four. This additional support provides benefits that make it an excellent choice for many patients—especially those who have experienced significant bone loss or want the most durable, long-lasting restoration possible.
Let’s explore how All-on-6 works and when it might be the ideal choice for your smile.
What Are All-on-6® Dental Implants?
All-on-6 is an advanced full-mouth restoration technique that uses six dental implants to support a complete arch of teeth. Like All-on-4, these implants support a fixed bridge or prosthetic that replaces all teeth in the upper or lower jaw (or both).
The six implants are strategically positioned to maximize bone support and stability. Typically, two implants are placed in the front of the jaw where bone is densest, and four implants are placed in the back—some straight and some at angles—to distribute the load evenly across your jaw and take advantage of available bone.
This strategic placement distributes forces more evenly than All-on-4, resulting in superior stability, reduced stress on individual implants, and a restoration that can potentially last even longer.
How All-on-6 Differs from All-on-4
While both All-on-4 and All-on-6 provide full-mouth restoration with implants, there are important differences to understand:
Implant Quantity and Placement
All-on-4 uses four implants with two angled at 45 degrees. All-on-6 uses six implants, allowing for more varied angulation and typically includes four angled implants and two straight implants. This distribution better mimics the support structure of natural teeth.
Load Distribution
With six implants, the biting forces are distributed across more support points. This reduces the stress on each individual implant and can extend the lifespan of your restoration.
Bone Requirements
While All-on-4 minimizes bone loss requirements through strategic angulation, All-on-6 may require slightly more bone. However, it still typically requires less bone grafting than placing individual implants for each tooth.
Restoration Options
Both options support fixed (permanent) bridges. However, All-on-6 can also support removable prosthetics in some cases, giving patients additional flexibility if they ever need adjustments or repairs.
Cost Considerations
All-on-6 involves more implants and a more complex surgical procedure, so it typically costs more than All-on-4. However, many patients find the added stability and longevity worth the investment.
When All-on-6 Is the Ideal Choice
You Have Significant Bone Loss
Patients who’ve worn dentures for many years often experience extensive jawbone deterioration. While All-on-4 can work in these situations, All-on-6 provides superior support when bone volume is compromised. The additional implants help compensate for reduced bone density.
You Want Maximum Longevity
All-on-6 restorations often last longer than All-on-4 because the forces are better distributed. If you’re looking for a solution designed to last 20+ years or more, All-on-6’s enhanced stability is a significant advantage.
You Want the Most Stable Solution
Some patients prioritize stability above all else. If you want zero movement in your restoration and maximum confidence when eating or speaking, the additional support of All-on-6 delivers this.
You Have Compromised Bone in Strategic Locations
If you have bone loss in areas where All-on-4 implants would typically be placed, your dentist might recommend All-on-6. The additional implant sites can bypass areas of poor bone quality and utilize better-quality bone elsewhere in your jaw.
You’re Replacing Both Arches
If you’re restoring both your upper and lower teeth, All-on-6 for each arch provides balanced support and optimal long-term results.
You Want to Avoid Future Complications
While All-on-4 is highly successful, some patients prefer the added security of six implants. The redundancy means that if one implant ever encounters issues, the other five continue providing full support.
The All-on-6 Treatment Process
Phase 1: Evaluation and Planning (Weeks 1-4)
Your Spring Valley dentist performs a comprehensive examination, takes detailed 3D imaging (CBCT scan), and evaluates your bone structure, health status, and treatment goals. This imaging allows your surgical team to plan implant placement with precision, determining angles, depths, and positioning for optimal results.
You’ll discuss whether All-on-6 is right for you, review the timeline, discuss anesthesia options, and address any concerns you have.
Phase 2: Surgical Implant Placement (Day 1)
The surgical procedure typically takes 2-3 hours. You’ll receive anesthesia (usually IV sedation) to ensure comfort throughout. Your surgeon carefully places all six implants according to the pre-planned positions determined during your imaging analysis.
Many patients are surprised by how non-traumatic the procedure feels. Because of advanced surgical techniques and proper anesthesia, most report minimal discomfort during surgery.
Following surgery, you may have some swelling and mild discomfort, manageable with prescribed medications and ice therapy. Most patients resume light activities within a few days.
Phase 3: Osseointegration (Months 2-6)
After implant placement, your body begins the process of osseointegration—the fusion of the implants with your jawbone. This biological process is critical to long-term success.
During this time, you’ll wear a temporary prosthetic (denture or bridge) so you can eat, speak, and smile normally. Your dentist monitors your healing with periodic checkups.
Osseointegration typically takes 3-6 months, depending on your bone quality and overall health. Good bone quality can result in faster integration.
Phase 4: Permanent Restoration (Months 6-7)
Once the implants are fully integrated, your dentist creates your custom permanent restoration. Impressions or digital scans are taken to fabricate a bridge or denture that matches your desired smile, tooth color, shape, and size.
Your restoration is carefully checked for proper fit, bite alignment, and aesthetics. Adjustments are made to ensure comfort and optimal function.
Phase 5: Ongoing Care and Maintenance (Year 1 and Beyond)
After your restoration is placed, you’ll have follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing properly and functioning well. Regular checkups—typically every 6 months—help monitor your implants and restoration.
Unlike dentures, All-on-6 restorations require no special care. You brush and floss normally, and your implants should last indefinitely with proper maintenance.
All-on-6 Advantages You Should Know About
Superior Stability
The six implants provide rock-solid stability. You can eat, laugh, and speak with complete confidence—no movement, no slipping, no adjustments needed.
Preservation of Facial Structure
The implants stimulate your jawbone, preserving bone density and preventing the facial collapse that occurs with dentures. Your face maintains its natural structure and youthful appearance.
Improved Eating and Nutrition
With All-on-6’s stability, you can eat virtually any food. This supports better nutrition and overall health compared to denture limitations.
No Daily Maintenance
Unlike dentures, All-on-6 requires no soaking, adhesives, or special cleaning. Normal oral hygiene is all that’s needed.
Excellent Aesthetics
Your custom restoration is virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. The results are beautiful and natural-looking.
Long-Term Value
While the initial investment is significant, All-on-6 typically lasts 20+ years. When compared to multiple denture replacements over the same period, All-on-6 often proves more economical.
Finding All-on-6 Treatment in Spring Valley
Spring Valley is home to experienced dental practices and implant specialists who routinely perform All-on-6 restorations. When selecting a provider, look for dentists with:
- Extensive implant experience and specialized training
- Advanced 3D imaging technology (CBCT)
- Sedation capabilities for patient comfort
- A track record of successful All-on-6 cases
- Detailed patient testimonials and before/after photos
A consultation with your Spring Valley dental practice will help you understand whether All-on-6 is right for your situation and what you can realistically expect.
Is All-on-6 Right for You?
All-on-6 is an excellent option for most patients with significant tooth loss. Your dentist can determine whether All-on-6 or All-on-4 is better suited to your specific situation based on your bone structure, health, and goals.
The key is having a thorough consultation where your dentist evaluates your individual circumstances and discusses both options openly.
Take the Next Step
If you’re tired of dentures, struggling with missing teeth, or simply want to explore your options for full-mouth restoration, schedule a consultation with your Spring Valley dental practice.
During this appointment, your dentist can explain how All-on-6 could transform your smile and your life. For many patients, All-on-6 represents a permanent solution to tooth loss—one they wish they’d pursued sooner.